District 1- Election Day has passed. There will be no more mailers, no more TV ads, and no more political yard signs for a while, and that’s something we can all be grateful for. I’m grateful, as well, to have earned your support to continue serving our region in the Nebraska Legislature. This has been a fraught and unprecedented election cycle for Southeast Nebraska. Regardless of who you voted for and regardless of your political affiliation, let’s move forward, together, to support policies that best serve our region. 

The same is true for elections at all levels of government. We are truly blessed in District 1 to have more qualified candidates for local office than we have seats available. Some races were decided by just a few votes. Regardless of the outcome, if you were on the ballot in November, please stay involved. Whether it’s putting your full effort into your newly-elected office or making your voice heard in another way if your candidacy was not successful, your work is just beginning. Our communities thrive when their residents are involved. Thank you, as well, to our hard-working county clerks and election officials. COVID-19 made it more difficult to ensure our polling places were fully staffed, and you stepped up to the challenge. Thank you for your work.

On a national level, the vote-counting continues. Though the winner has been called by most media outlets, legal challenges still remain. We must ensure that every legal vote cast in this election is counted. When the count is completed and legal challenges exhausted, we must move forward with our lives. Win graciously and lose with dignity.

After this contentious campaign cycle, we should most of all remember that we are Americans, Nebraskans, and District 1 residents. Although we might not always agree on how to achieve our goals, we all want what is best for our families and our communities. We must be willing to work with each other to make our region the best that it can be. Thank you so much for your support, District 1.

Let’s get to work!

As always, I welcome your input on issues important to you. Follow along on my Facebook and Twitter pages, both entitled “Senator Julie Slama” for more updates, or contact me directly at Senator Julie Slama, District 1 State Capitol, PO Box 94604, Lincoln, NE 68509-4604; telephone 402-471-2733; email: jslama@leg.ne.gov